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THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS
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There has been a lot of interest in the birth chart of Brandon Boyd, of the band Incubus. However, he was born on a day when both the Moon and Mercury changed signs, so without his exact time of birth we do not know his planetary angles, Rising Sign, Moon Sign or Mercury Sign. It would be a callous (and careless) defamation of the art/science if we were to cast a chart with so many variables. We do know that Brandon has Sun in Aquarius and Venus in Capricorn. VENUS SIGNS    SUN SIGNS  


Astrological Anatomy of a Rock Band
                                                                  (Placebo - the ideal example!)


Shooting Star Astrology has always been interested in the relationships that people create between themselves. A rock band is particularly fascinating because of the challenges it may face in linking band members to each other (and preserving the link) while touring, maintaining a business, and being able to express itself creatively, all at the same time.


  • Placebo is one such band that has proved itself to be a great example of how all these elements can come together in a spectacular way. In 1996, after a serendipitous meeting and reuniting of friends, this new alternative rock band, Placebo, took the musical world by storm. Their first album, with its unexpected and sometimes shocking songs and sounds, along with their radical new image, gave them almost instant success. This flare for unbelievably high-quality music would follow them through the rest of their career. To this day they remain one of the best bands in the world.

    About PlaceboHISTORY OF THE BAND PLACEBO

    Placebo was a three piece band, consisting of Brian Molko as lyricist, lead vocalist and guitarist, Stefan Olsdal on bass and guitar, and Steve Hewitt on drums. Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal were old school mates in Luxembourg who were reunited after a chance meeting in a London train station. Brian was playing a club with some friends that night and invited Stefan to come along. That’s where Brian introduced Stefan to Steve Hewitt, and after seeing Brian and Steve play together, Stefan declared on the spot that they should put a band together. Steve played on the demo recordings of their first songs with them, but, unfortunately, had a prior commitment to another band, so Brian and Stefan were joined by another drummer as they put together their first album. It quickly became apparent, however, that no one but Steve would fit. He returned as the band began to tour, and was with them for the next 10 years. As predicted by Shooting Star Astrology, the year 2007 would prove to be tumultuous, and late in the year, it was announced that Steve had left the band. ( Click Here for discussion of the astrological reasons that Steve Hewitt left Placebo - at the bottom of this page.)

    Through their eleven year career they put out five major albums, Placebo (1996), Without You I’m Nothing (1998), Black Market Music (2000), Sleeping with Ghosts (2003), and Meds (2006), and a singles album, Once More With Feeling (2004). They’ve been joined on stage and in their music by such famous personages as David Bowie, Michael Stipe of REM, and Frank Black of The Pixies. They’ve enjoyed international success and continue to claim the hearts of fans around the world.

    • Shooting Star Astrology has chosen to examine the charts of the members of the band, Placebo because of their unique sound, character, and longevity.
    We do not have the exact times nor exact longitudes and latitudes of birth of any of the three. Knowing this information would shed an immense amount of light on our knowledge of the personality characteristics, but we can, nonetheless, glean information from what that we have.


    Brian MolkoBrian Molko

    It’s only fair to start with the singer/songwriter, Brian Molko, who was born in Belgium on December 10, 1972. Brian is a colorful character! A person who has Sun in Sagittarius always enjoys shooting for the stars anyway, but in Brian’s chart his Sun is empowered by an opposition to Saturn that makes him build that goal in a surefooted manner. He would not have flash-in-the-pan accomplishments, as many Sagittarians do, but would have success that has been carefully crafted and developed until he had established a deep enough root system that he would not falter by occasional setbacks. (If a person is focused on a goal, having a Sun/Saturn opposition in the birth chart is a great tool to aid in success.) This is reinforced by the overall configuration of his chart, which shows Saturn to be a leading force. This indicates that he would not be one who would back away from challenges, but would take responsibilities quite seriously. Brian leads his life with confidence and conviction. He would have a relentless work ethic. His Sun is also sextile his Uranus. This is an angle that makes a person strive to release any constraints upon his or her body, mind, or spirit. This alone could account for the “muse” in his head that strives to gender-blend. However, Brian also has another dominant conjunction – that of Venus and Mars, making the female and male work as one. (Many people have a conjunction of Venus and Mars. It does not necessarily make them concentrate on gender issues. There has to be something else in the chart for this to manifest as it does in Brian’s personality.) The Venus/Mars conjunction makes a person charming and passionate. They have a tendency to become intensely involved in their relationships. Chart of Brian Molko Brian’s Venus, Mars and Mercury are all in Scorpio, the sign that is most prominently interested in sex and in exposing taboo topics, which Brian does (seemingly) without reservation.
    Mercury is the planet that governs our thoughts, intellect, and communications. Brian Molko’s Mercury in Scorpio is in conjunction to Neptune, the planet of music and the higher mind. Again, this aspect alone could account for his ability to write excellent music. (If we had his exact time of birth, we suspect that this would be prominently placed in the house system of his chart.) Brian’s most basic challenge throughout his life has probably been to be loved and recognized for who he is. His Venus/Mars conjunction struggles against his Sun/Saturn opposition. As a child it probably became evident to him early on that he was different. He instinctively must have known that no matter how much other people wanted him to settle into being like everyone else that it would go against the grain of his personality. He would need to take some huge steps with a lot of planning to get his head above water, and to finally emerge as a singular, fully unassailable individual. But a birth chart aspect is life-long, and everyone has things that they have to learn to live with. In his case, the challenge, though ever-present, is resolutely trounced through musical expression and by the adoration of millions of fans.

    moon sign Mention should be made about Brian’s Moon. It is in Aquarius, indicating that he is one who likes to break away from tradition. People with the Moon in Aquarius are charming! (So, his charismatic personality comes from both Moon in Aquarius and the Venus/Mars conjunction.) He would like unusual things. It is one reason that his music is not boring. He would find enjoyment in offbeat humor and by being involved with groups of people. (He would not at all be interested in following in his parent’s footsteps.) Because of the strength of the water element in Brian’s chart there is a lot of intensity in his personality, but Moon in Aquarius detaches him from emotion responses. The worst expression of these combinations could make him jealous and vengeful and would cause him to impulsively respond to situations without considering the consequences. It may be quite difficult for him to trust emotions, yet he has a compassionate and thoughtful nature, and takes care to ensure security within relationships.



    Stefan OlsdalStefan Olsdal
    Next, we move to the chart of Stefan Olsdal. The first, and most obvious, thing that we notice about Stefan’s chart is that none of the planets reside in the “earth” element or the “fixed” modality. This means that his personality is one that is constantly in motion, full of ideas of things to do, and ready for change. (It’s actually a perfect combination for a person who is in a touring band!) He is one who is rarely still. The downside to this personality is that it lacks grounding, and thus practicality. Whenever people lack something in their chart they look to fill the gap through partnership. This is one of the reasons that Stefan and Brian fit so well together. Granted, Brian lacks the grounding too, but there is so much stability in his chart that he can rein Stefan’s exuberance and create a worthy direction for it. Stefan’s chart configuration creates swings of highs and lows throughout his life (The times of these occurrences could be predicted depending on transits and progressions.) He is one who goes from public to private, from acting out to quiet introspection, and from creating to showing what he’s created.
    Chart of Stefan Olsdal Having a Grand Trine in “air” signs indicates an intelligent personality. Things come easily to Stefan. He is worldly, thoughtful, and can accomplish his goals effortlessly. His Mercury and Moon are both in signs that indicate that his thoughts and responses may be directly related to emotion. Stefan’s Mercury offers some interesting challenges to Brian’s chart. The foremost aspect is that it is square Brian’s Sun. Through this Stefan has an ability to present ideas that Brian would have never thought of. But, because Stefan’s Mercury is trine Brian’s Venus/Mars conjunction and sextile his Jupiter (the planet of growth and travel) Stefan offers them to Brian in a manner in which Brian is receptive. Brian takes the time to contemplate Stefan’s ideas, to see both the advantages and disadvantages of his way of thinking. Stefan’s Venus in Aquarius is also an important factor in its square to Brian’s Mercury in Scorpio. Where Brian may have occasions when he may sink into a gloom, Stefan can pull him out of it through his lighthearted, exuberant nature, and through his Mercury, which is in the compassionate, caring sign Pisces. (The circumstances where this could not be accomplished would depend on the transits and progressions that would be going on in both charts at the time, but for the most part, Stefan has this good effect on Brian.)


    Steve HewittSteve Hewitt

    Lastly, we look at the extraordinary chart of Steve Hewitt, one of the most creative, interesting, and dynamic drummers of all time. This chart shows an exceptional number of cardinal signs. This influence is one that makes a person initiate action. He is one who dreams up ideas and then implements them. His Sun and Mercury are both in Aries, which gives him the ability to immediately see how things are going to be done, then to get them done in a direct positive manner. The way the elements are distributed in Steve’s chart indicate that when situations arise he thinks quickly and reacts physically – not emotionally. Steve has no water signs, but Stefan and Brian have enough together to balance him, creating a link to passionate creativity, and thus, because of the partnership, the void in his chart is filled. On the other hand, where Stefan and Brian might react emotionally, Steve’s detachment and lack of emotional encumbrances will give the band perspective. Two of the most potent aspects of Steve’s chart are to his Sun. Mars square Sun gives him a headstrong quality and the drive to utilize his energy in a most impressive manner. This aspect could lead him to exhaustion, were it not for his Sun trine Jupiter angle that boosts his vitality. This gives him an unusual amount of physical strength – certainly a positive trait for a rock drummer. Both Brian and Steve have Moon in Aquarius, a “fixed” sign that gives them the ability to stick to a project until it is finished (not to mention the charming personality discussed with Brian’s chart.)
    Chart of Steve Hewitt
    MORE ON MERCURY
    Communication is key in the cohesiveness of a rock band. Mercury, the planet that governs thoughts and conversation is therefore considered here. Another very unusual occurrence shows in the charts of Brian and Steve. That is that Brian’s Mercury is trine Steve’s Sun, and Steve’s Mercury is trine Brian’s Sun! This indicates that each other’s thoughts and suggestions benefit the other. Conversations and exchange of ideas must be quite lively, as both Brian and Steve would know instinctively what is going to be in each other’s best interest. Brian’s Mercury is in Scorpio, the sign of passion and obsession. His thought process could get snagged and detained in pondering a topic. But, Steve’s Mercury is in Aries, a forward moving sign that doesn’t get hung up emotionally with trying to figure things out. People who have Mercury in Aries are generally the least patient of the zodiac, while people who have Mercury in Scorpio can dwell on things. Steve would present ideas that push Brian forward. He would generate challenges and instigate competition.


    Steve’s chart makes another key angle to Brian’s. It is that Mercury is in opposition to Brian’s Uranus. Both band members must compromise part of their personality to get along. For Brian it is his drive to be unique, and for Steve it is the manner in which he perceives himself. But Steve’s Mercury is sextile Brian’s Saturn, so any vexing conflicts can be resolved by focusing back on the work. Stefan’s Mercury also makes itself known, as discussed above. His Mercury is in Pisces, making him the dreamer of the band. His visions inspire Brian’s goals and his stamina is energized by Steve’s example.
    Placebo triwheel

    NEPTUNE’S INFLUENCE

    For a band’s music, the most important planetary authority is from Neptune, which is the force that influences musical ability and taste. So, simply looking at the Neptune placements of the three players’ of Placebo should be quite telling. All three have Neptune in the sign Sagittarius (as do all people who were born between 1971 and 1983 – but there are only 6 degrees – out of 360 – that separate these band members’ Neptune placements.) Sagittarius is Brian Molko’s Sun sign, which makes his Neptune more powerful. It is in a beautiful sextile angle to his Pluto, the planet of control, transformation, and power. Thus, through his music, the Sagittarian influence urges him strive to reach higher heights, while the push from Pluto behind it gives him the ability to take control and enforce progressive change. His taste in music leans towards the strong and intense.


    The placement of Neptune in Steve Hewitt’s chart is equally as prominent. There is an incredibly powerful angle, which is made up of a Jupiter/Neptune conjunction trine his Sun. Again, Neptune is the sign that influences musical abilities, and Jupiter expands whatever it touches. The Jupiter Neptune conjunction, therefore gives a personality an inordinate amount of creativity. Furthermore, a trine to the Sun is the luckiest angle a person can have in his or her chart, and Steve’s is from the Jupiter/Neptune conjunction! Thus, Steve has the ability to easily express himself through music. It “comes naturally” to him. What is highly intriguing is that Steve’s Jupiter is exactly conjunct Brian’s Neptune! Thus, the way in which he uses this incredibly important Jupiter/Neptune/Sun angle is to advance himself and to enhance his life through Brian’s music.


    Another connection is that the chart of Stefan, the third and equally important member of Placebo , also has Jupiter/Neptune/Pluto aspects! In his chart Jupiter is square to Brian’s Neptune, which indicates that he is the one who pushes Brian to excel. Not only that, but Stefan’s Mars gives energy and physical vitality to Brian’s Saturn (the powerhouse of his chart). Stefan’s Neptune is beautifully placed. Could it possibly be a coincidence that both he and Steve have Sun in Aries - trine Neptune, in Brian’s Sun Sign, Sagittarius? The odds of this configuration occurring between these three birth charts are astronomical! (pun intended) It is an amazing stroke of serendipity that they found each other and can combine their planetary forces to interpret each other’s higher mind and be able to express the result on an earthly plane through rock music!




    CHIRON

    The asteroid, Chiron, shows an uncomfortable or painful area of life. Everyone has Chiron somewhere in his or her chart. But, how much it affects us and how we deal with it varies per individual. Interestingly, the placement of Chiron in Stefan and Brian’s charts are conjunct in Aries, indicating that their areas of uneasiness are affiliated with aggression and masculinity; But, Steve’s Mercury is conjunct Brian and Stefan’s Chirons, meaning that he has the ability to address their sore spots and neutralize them. In a reciprocating role, Stefan’s Sun is on Steve’s Chiron, which indicates that Steve’s area of touchiness is soothed by the heart and sincerity of Stefan’s personality.



    AQUARIUS

    About the sign Aquarius: Each of the band members of Placebo has at least one “personal planet” (a placement that effects his inner self) in the sign Aquarius: In Brian’s chart, the second most powerful force, his Moon, is in Aquarius; Stefan and Steve’s Venus’ are both conjunct in Aquarius, and Steve, quite likely, has Moon in Aquarius as well. The sign Aquarius, when present in a person’s chart shows that this person can’t be caged or stifled. He needs to be free to express himself in his own way, under his own terms.



    THE LAST LINK

    A person’s way of completing his or herself is to find people with whom to relate, so that each sign can be fully experienced. In the charts of both Steve and Stefan, the sign Aries dominates. Stefan has Sun in Aries, and Steve has Sun and Mercury in Aries. Brian has nothing in Aries. He lacks it, so he wants it, through partnership, to complete his personality. Similarly, Brian has Mercury, Venus and Mars in Scorpio, a sign which Steve and Stefan need. Among the three band members, there is at least one planet representing each of the signs, except, oddly, the sign Leo, that of the showman. We suspect, therefore, that to compensate for this missing link, at least one of the three people has Leo Rising, a powerful placement. We speculate that it is Stefan, although evidence shows that Brian may have it too. (Exact birth times would determine rising Signs, house placements, and Moon aspects.)



    WHY DID STEVE LEAVE?

    As discussed at length above, Neptune has a crucial influence on artists. When transits to it, or from it occur in peoples’ charts, they experience a feeling of unrest that propels them either into a state of creativity, inspiration, or confusion in their quest for a more ideal situation. How the changes manifest depend on which planet it is that Neptune aspects.

    Saturn is the planet of structure and organization. It tests and challenges what we’ve built for ourselves. A transit from Saturn is like wind blowing against a tree. If the root system is strong, the tree will remain sturdy, but even the strongest of trees may blow over in the most powerful wind.
    Steve Hewitt
    In 2007 transiting Neptune squared Steve Hewitt’s Saturn. This is an extremely difficult aspect that most of us only have to experience for one year or so during our lives. It causes people to lose their direction, and in many cases, their means of identification. People denounce who they’ve been, thinking that they must have been doing something wrong, and that there must be a better way to be.
    Not only that, but Steve got doubly hit in that transiting Saturn squared his Neptune! This is also one of the most challenging aspects that people experience, in that they feel overwhelmed by their situation. The only way to get loose from the burden is to walk away.

    To top it off Pluto, the planet of transformation, squared its original position in Steve’s chart. Among many other things, this aspect makes us aware of things that are not working out in our lives and then urges us to tear them apart, keep what’s good, and rebuild a better working condition.

    A weaker person than Steve might end up an emotional disaster under the force of these three extremely powerful aspects. Shooting Star Astrology does not know Steve Hewitt personally, but can tell by looking at his chart that he has one heck of a strong personality. He is not one to wallow in anything. Under the influence of Neptune transits people make mistakes that they may live to regret, but mistakes indicate action, and action promotes growth.



    Brian & Steve from Twenty Years video In Brian Molko’s chart, the end of 2007 shows transiting Neptune aspecting six of the planets in his birth chart. To Venus it is square, a symbol of heartache; to Mars it is square, indicating a depletion of energy; to Pluto it is sesquiquadrate, creating a spark of interest in doing something quite different; to Uranus it is trine - a wonderful aspect that fans the spark into a flame that will forge a new path to exciting endeavors; to the Sun it is sextile, offering new opportunities to fulfill his inner self; and finally to Saturn – the powerhouse of Brian’s chart – it is trine (quite unlike what happened in Steve’s chart) offering him the ability to diligently proceed utilizing careful introspection to begin creating his new path.



    Will Steve Return To Placebo?

    As discussed above, Brian’s, Stefan’s, and Steve’s Neptunes are all related. This means that Brian and Stefan will also experience the transiting Saturn square Neptune aspect. For Steve this effect began in late summer of 2007. For Brian it came into prominence in October of 2007, and Stefan it would not take full effect until the summer of 2008. The mildest manifestation of this aspect will cause people to free-float for a while, while assessing the direction they want to take. The harshest might cause depression or other forms of negativity. (Neither Brian nor Stefan experience the more drastic Neptune square Saturn aspect that would cause them not to want to be known as members of Placebo.)
    Brian Molko & Steve Hewitt We remind ourselves that all transits do eventually pass by and that without them no growth would be attained. These incredibly challenging transits will fade from Steve’s chart by the end of 2008. It is speculated that by that time he will have crafted clearly defined terms of the conditions under which he would return to Placebo.
    But, Brian and Stefan will not have been stagnant in his absence. If a reunited Placebo were to remerge, it would most likely be a reinvented, more mature, more profound force upon the world of music!



    An Outside, Yet Influential Link
    Brian Molko & David Bowie

    A phase of Placebo 's rise to success was assisted by David Bowie, who helps many bands. Why did he choose Placebo ? Click here to see comparison of Brian Molko and David Bowie's charts.

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    Shooting Star Astrology thanks Sunnie LaPan for the photos she took of the individual band members and for writing the History of the Band Placebo section.


    THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS
    click for the page on 30 Seconds To Mars .

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